George Borden Makepeace Jr.

Jr. George Borden Makepeace Jr., 89, of Islamorada, Florida, passed away March 27, 2024.

Borden, as he was known, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on June 11,1934 to George Borden Sr. and Edna Arnold Makepeace. Borden lived in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island before moving to Islamorada in 1949. Borden completed 11th grade in the Keys and graduated from Miami Jackson Senior High School. He then attended the University of Florida before returning to the Keys in 1958. In 1960 Borden started Makepeace Office Equipment and in 1979 he designed and built a two story building to house his thriving office equipment business.

In 2003 as he approached 70, his life took another twist when Borden married the love of his life, Johanna Vlachos. He soon retired from business to be able to spend more time with Johanna. They were happily married until her unfortunate passing in 2012.

He is survived by his eldest son George Borden Makepeace III, known to all as GB. He was preceded in death by his youngest son Carl Ernest Makepeace (Passed away 10/7/2021) who is survived by his wife, Kelli Makepeace.



He is also survived by his brother David Makepeace (Linda), and their daughter Sarah. Borden was preceded in death by his brother Robert Makepeace and sister Judy Farr (Rudy). Judy had four sons, Jimmy Farr (Debbie), Craig Farr (Jackie), Keith Farr, (Borden's caregiver), and Kyle Farr.

Borden is also survived by five grandchildren, Bryan Makepeace, Seanna Makepeace, Jason Makepeace, Noah Makepeace, and Kaitlin Murray. He also had three great grandchildren, Michael Makepeace, Sam Makepeace and Lily Makepeace.



Borden was a 35-year active member of Matecumbe Methodist Church. In 1957 he was a founding member of the Grand Lodge of the Free and Accepted Masons, Lodge 323 in Marathon, FL. He also helped start the Marathon Rotary Club in 1961. He was very committed to his church and both organizations until his passing.

A memorial service will be held for Borden May 18th at 10:00 AM at the Matecumbe Methodist Church in Islamorada. There will be a celebration of Borden's life immediately following the service at Lorelei Restaurant and Cabana Bar in Islamorada where the Makepeace family invites all of Borden's family and friends to share pictures and memories. Borden loved to share his life through his many stories and it was his wish that everyone would laugh, reminisce, and smile during his celebration of life.